And Rams chief Burley hinted Zavagno's transfer to Moscow, albeit for a nominal fee, could help bankroll the deal which would bring Ward back to Pride Park.

Burley said, "We've spoken to Bradford about Ashley but at the moment there's no going forward.

"The fee for Luciano would help, it would certainly help, because financial packages often decide whether a player comes to your club and that might be the case here."

Middlesbrough midfielder Luke Wilkshire has put pen to paper on a three-year contract with Bristol City after passing a medical.

The Australian Under-23 international agreed personal terms at Ashton Gate and joins City in a deal worth &#xA3;250,000.

Wideman Wilkshire, 21, arrived too late to be included in the side for the pre-season friendly against Real Mallorca.

Striker Bob Taylor is to begin training with Cheltenham Town from Monday after his recovery from close-season knee surgery.

The 36-year-old contacted Robins boss Bobby Gould to indicate his availability and the Whaddon Road supremo has now received the boardroom's approval to discuss a more permanent arrangement should Taylor impress.

Gould signed Taylor from Bristol City in 1992 while manager at West Brom, the club who released the veteran frontman at the end of their Premiership relegation campaign last season.